Philippines Department of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana confirmed that the Philippines Air Force selected the Turkish-made T129 Advanced Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance (ATAK) helicopters.
Speaking to reporters Friday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that the Air Force’s technical working group (TWG) has already recommended two helicopter types for purchase: the Turkish T129 ATAK attack U.S.-made Sikorsky Black Hawk utility helicopter.
With its limited budget of $240 million, Lorenzana estimates that they can purchase around 16 Black Hawks and 8 T129 ATAKs.
The T129 ATAK helicopter is a new generation, tandem, two-seat, twin-engine helicopter specifically designed for attack and reconnaissance.
Developed in connection with the combat-proven AgustaWestland A129CBT, the new aircraft incorporates a new system philosophy with a new engine, new avionics, sight systems and weapons, modified airframe, an updated drive train and a new tail rotor. The power unit includes Light Helicopter Turbine Engine Company (LHTEC) CTS800-4A developed by Rolls-Royce and Honeywell.